Political leaders saddened by Princess Margaret's death have paid tribute to the popular royal.

Speaking on his plane as he travelled to Sierra Leone, Prime Minister Tony Blair told reporters that he was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Princess Margaret.

"My thoughts are with the Queen, the Queen Mother and the rest of the Royal Family at this time," he said.

Conservative Party leader Iain Duncan Smith said that Margaret had been a strong servant for her country and would be missed.

"I am deeply saddened by this morning's announcement that Her Royal Highness, Princess Margaret, died in hospital," he said, offering his condolences to the Royal family.

And Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy added: "We all suffer when we lose a close relative and I offer the Queen, the Queen Mother and the Royal Family my greatest sympathy."

The Prince of Wales and his sons William and Harry are said to be deeply saddened by the news.

Special lady

Royal biographer Christopher Warwick told Sky News that the Princess was a colourful member of the royal family.

"My memories of her are of a very special lady who was extraordinary in so many ways.

"I know the Princess has been out of action for a year or more, but she was dedicated to helping her sister. There was great love between them, and her Majesty, and of course the Queen Mother, are going to be completely bereft.

"She has been perceived as a maverick. Colourful members of the royal family are few and far between. So when one like her comes along they are going to be given some label or other.

Close friend of the Royals Lord St John of Fawsley, told BBC radio: "It's true to say that to a certain extent she was misunderstood. We really have lost a splendid person."

"It's a terrible thing and a burden to her to see a loved daughter die, and then of course to the queen because they were very close."

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